Is it a Good Idea to Buy the 1st Gen Apple Watch?

Is it Worth Buying the 1st Gen Apple Watch?

If you’re looking to buy a used Apple Watch, then you might want to pay attention to how we talk about iPhones here at Back Market because the same rules apply. The newest and 'best' iPhones are being released every year with upgraded cameras and battery life and storage capacity and this and that. But what do we always say? That even when an iPhone no longer gets updates, it can still work great and have the ability to keep running all of your favorite apps. Yes, some things may take a little longer to open, and you might have fewer features available than newer models, but these might not be things that you'll miss. 

The 1st Gen Apple Watch was originally released in April 2015 and stopped receiving updates after WatchOS 4 just three years later. But that was enough time for the WatchOS operating system to mature from its basic concept. So with its final update, the first generation of Apple Watches could still give you a decent user experience (albeit maybe not compared to the current Apple Watch models). 

At the end of the day, this Apple Watch is still an Apple Watch - it gives you a great connected experience with your other Apple products, provides basic notifications and tracks your activity from your wrist. And unlike iPhones that may sometimes change their looks drastically, this still looks exactly like the newest Apple Watch. Same premium materials, all-day battery life, and waterproof. Sure, newer models are waterproof up to 50 meters as opposed to only 1 meter on the original Apple Watch, but that should be ok with you, as long as you don’t plan on going scuba diving. And if you are a scuba diver, just remember to take off your 1st gen Apple Watch before you jump into the deep blue sea! And no matter which iPhone you have, this Apple Watch will be able to connect to it. iPhones don’t discriminate between newer and older Apple Watches :D

So here's the simple answer from our perspective: yes, the original Apple Watch might be a great investment for people looking for a bare minimum smartwatch that can save them some serious money. But if you're the type of person that needs up-to-date technology and new features, then you might want to consider increasing your budget for something a little more recent.

Should I Get the First Gen Apple Watch Used or Refurbished?

If you’re looking for a second-hand Apple Watch, you’ll probably be able to find a lot of great used Apple Watch deals across the web. Particularly for older models that have filled people's junk drawers because they weren't sure how to properly dispose of them. But we'd strongly advise against buying a used older model Apple Watch, since you can’t really know if the product has any defects or if it has been damaged by the previous owner.

Instead, it’s always a safer bet to buy a refurbished Apple Watch because this way you'll have a guarantee that it's been properly repaired, cleaned and tested as long as you're buying from a reliable seller like Back Market. Not to mention, most refurbished sellers will give you assurances with your purchase - for example, Back Market offers free standard shipping, a 1-year warranty and 30 days to change your mind with every Apple Watch purchase. The 1st Gen Apple Watch is still a great piece of tech, but if it hasn't been cared for over the years, then you're not going to be happy with it. So make sure you're buying one that's been properly cared for by professionals in the refurbished industry. You might also find similar pricing for later generations, like the Apple Watch Series 2 and the Apple Watch Series 3.

Check Deals on Used & Refurbished Apple Watch Models

Undoubtedly, Apple is a great brand, but we've become all too familiar with their high-end pricing. The newest Apple Watches can cost upwards of $500, which may be worth it for some, but for others is a pretty penny. If you're looking to save, you can always turn to Back Market for the largest selection of refurbished products that are on average 30-70% off compared to the price of new.

For example, you can currently find the first 3 generations of Apple Watches for under or around the $100 range. The earlier the model, the more savings you can tap into, but of course you can find that sweet spot in your budget and nail a deal on the Apple Watch Series 4 or 5 starting from $120-150. As time goes on and more Apple Watch models are released, you'll see these prices continue to fall for the earlier generations, so make sure to check back with us often!